Suspect in Fatal DUI Crash Held on Bail

October 26, 2009

San Diego - The suspected drunken driver involved in Marimar fatal crash was finally booked in Vista prison and is being held on a $100,000 bail.

The Medical Examiner identified the accident victim as Nicholas James Zagunis, 22, from La Mesa.

According to authorities, the victim was at the back seat of a gold 2002 Chevy Avalanche that was moving towards Miramar Road at Empire Street when the driver who was identified as Iveth Zea, 26, from San Diego, lost control of the truck and smashed into a transformer.

The vehicle then crossed the street and crashed into the side of a building, a number of trees and stopped in a business complex’s parking lot, police said. Zagunis, being the only occupant who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown off from the truck and died at the area.

Meanwhile, the suspect’s boyfriend sustained a skull fracture.

Authorities said investigators calculated that the vehicle was moving at a speed faster than 90 mph when the incident happened.

Zea was detained on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and felony driving under the influence after she was examined by a doctor.